Sunnerboturen – cykla genom Sagobygdens berättarlandskap

The Sunnerbo Cycle Route is a fully signposted circular cycling route in Ljungby Municipality, Småland, southern Sweden. It takes you through Sagobygden – the “Land of Legends” – a region internationally recognised for its rich tradition of folklore, storytelling and cultural landscapes.

This is a route for cyclists who enjoy travelling slowly, exploring places in depth and combining nature, history and local stories. The cycling takes place mainly on quiet country roads, passing villages, forests, farmland, lakes and historic sites. Many places of interest lie directly on the route, while others can be reached by short detours.

Starting point: Ljungby

The route starts at the bus station in Ljungby. Just a short walk away is the Saga Museum (Sagomuseet), which introduces visitors to the legends and oral storytelling traditions of Sagobygden. For international visitors, this museum offers valuable background and context before heading out into the landscape – or as a reflective stop at the end of the journey.

From the town centre, follow the green signs marked “Sunnerboturen” heading south.

Högarör and Kånna – traces of prehistoric life

Just outside Ljungby, near Högarör, you can see a wooded hill across the river from the cycle route. On top of this hill lies the legendary site “The Treasure of Högarör”, a large Bronze Age burial cairn. According to local folklore, a treasure lies hidden inside the cairn, guarded by a dragon. The site can be visited via a short detour from the route.

Shortly afterwards, the route passes Kånna Högar, one of the largest Viking Age burial grounds in Småland. These burial mounds clearly show that this area was an important settlement long before modern times.

Through rural landscapes to Södra Ljunga and Hamneda

The route continues through open agricultural landscapes towards Södra Ljunga and Hamneda. The area around Hamneda contains several historic buildings and cultural environments reflecting centuries of settlement and rural life. It is a good place to pause, explore the surroundings and experience the transition from open farmland to more forested landscapes.

Nöttja – church, film history and folklore

In Nöttja, the route passes a medieval church, known internationally from the film adaptation of The Emigrants (Utvandrarna), based on novels by Vilhelm Moberg. The church is also associated with the legend of the Nöttja church bells, which, according to folklore, mysteriously disappeared and reappeared in different locations.

Torpa and the legendary landscape

The route then enters the Torpa area, where several legendary sites are located close to the cycle route. One of them is the Magic Tree of Torpa, where people once believed they could cure toothache by transferring the pain to the tree.

Nearby are the Sister Lakes (Systersjöarna), two closely connected lakes associated with a tragic local legend. The landscape here invites reflection, with quiet roads, forest scenery and water close at hand.

Another legendary site nearby is The Changeling of Dallekulle, a place linked to stories about trolls exchanging human children for changelings – a common theme in Scandinavian folklore.

Vrå – crossing Route 25

In Vrå, the cycle route crosses Route 25, a busy main road. Cyclists should take extra care at this crossing. Afterward, the route continues on quieter roads.

Lidhult, Byholma and Lake Bolmen

From Vrå, the route leads towards Lidhult, where basic services such as food and supplies are available. It then continues through Byholma and down to Lake Bolmen, one of southern Sweden’s largest lakes. The Bolmen area is ideal for swimming, relaxing by the water, and spending the night. Many cyclists choose to stop here and enjoy the lakeside environment as part of a multi-day journey.

Angelstad and the return to Ljungby

After Bolmen, the route continues towards Angelstad, an area strongly associated with the legend of Ebbe Skammelsson, one of the most important stories in Sagobygden. The tale tells of return, betrayal and tragedy, and remains central to the local storytelling tradition.

North of Angelstad lies Skea Dåre, reached by a detour. Here, a stone is said to resemble a woman who collapsed and died on her way home from Christmas church – a powerful example of how folklore and landscape are intertwined.

From Angelstad, the route returns northwards to Ljungby, completing the circle.

Swimming, food and accommodation

Along the Sunnerbo Cycle Route you pass or reach several lakes suitable for swimming, including Exen, Mäen, Askaken, Kösen and Bolmen. Food and accommodation can be found in or near Ljungby, Södra Ljunga, Hamneda, Vrå, Lidhult, Byholma, Bolmen and Angelstad, making it easy to divide the route into several stages.

Travel slowly, experience deeply

The Sunnerbo Cycle Route is a relatively long circular route and is best experienced at a relaxed pace. Many cyclists choose to ride selected sections as day trips or divide the full route into several stages with overnight stays. Here, it is the journey itself – the landscapes, stories and places along the way – that forms the heart of the experience.